Great display unrewarded for RFC Women against Man City

A strong performance from Reading FC Women ultimately went unrewarded on Sunday, as reigning WSL1 champions Man City Women came from behind to win 3-2 at Adams Park.

The Royals had themselves come from behind to lead as they looked for a second win in the WSL Spring Series, but were ultimately victims of another inspired comeback on behalf of the visitors.

Six minutes into the game, City led. Goalkeeper Mary Earps showed brilliant reactions to save from Jane Ross, but Nikita Parris – who had squandered an earlier chance to put the visitors ahead – made no mistake from the rebound and headed the guests in front from close range.

The Royals needed to knuckle down to resist the City pressure, as Ross was denied again by Earps and Parris saw an offside flag rule out a second.

But Reading came back into the game after the break and a screamer from Jade Moore – striking beyond the despairing dive of Karen Bardsley – levelled things up.

Earps kept Royals level to deny Izzy Christiansen, tipping her header onto the bar, and then the Royals went ahead from the penalty spot. Kirsty Linnett was brought down in the box, allowing Lauren Bruton to convert from 12 yards.

However the introduction of Megan Campbell from the bench inspired the turnaround for the visitors. Within moments of coming off the bench, two long throws into the box had allowed Parris to notch her second and Jill Scott to net what would turn out to be the winner.

The Royals were able to welcome Dutch skipper Mandy van den Berg into the fold for the final 10 minutes to make her debut, but Reading weren’t able to get back on terms despite their best efforts.

Reading FC Women’s next game is away at Yeovil Town, before a return to Adams Park to meet Birmingham City on Sunday 28th May. For information about tickets for Reading FC Women’s home fixtures, click here.